Eric PhillipsCLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -
Hard work and motivation helped a recent Northwest High School graduate win a brand new car before starting college.
Eric Phillips turned the key on a brand new Mazda 2 at the Wyatt-Johnson Mazda showroom in Clarksville Sunday.
"I can't believe this, man. It's really incredible," said Phillips just moments after his winning moment.
Phillips was one of 359 students who earned the chance to win the car based on their performance in AP exams.
Elise Shelton with the Clarksville/Montgomery County School system told Nashville's News 2 the giveaway is a great way to keep students motivated during the challenging coursework.
"It's a great motivator for the kids," she explained, "It's a great carrot to hold out for kids to say hey, if I do really well on the exams I might get a car."
Nashville's News 2 spoke to several students who agreed with Shelton.
"The chances of winning a car definitely made me work harder," said Northwest High student Abigail Elmore. "When you're working toward a goal, it just makes you want it more."
Kyusok Lee, of Rossview High said he contest made him hit the books even harder.
"Even though there's a chance that I wouldn't get [the car] the fact that there is a chance is good enough for me," said Lee.
Winner Eric Phillips planned to use his new ride this fall in Knoxville, where he's enrolled at the University of Tennessee.
